UFC heavyweight champ Junior dos Santos has earned the division’s top spot in the eyes of most based on his unprecedented run in the organization including nine straight wins and success against some of the sport’s best. One of the countless individuals who view Dos Santos in such a light happens to also be the man he’s fighting next – Cain Velasquez.

The only loss of Velasquez’s career came in November 2011 when Dos Santos took the heavyweight title from him in knockout fashion. Now, with a shot at redemption on December 29, Velasquez is entering the bout looking to steal Dos Santos’ thunder.

“I will win this fight because I feel like I’m the better guy. I’m hungry and I want that belt back,” explained Velasquez in an interview with the UFC. “I got myself into this sport to be the best and I’m not there right now. There’s one guy I have to go through to be that.”

Though their original encounter only lasted 64 seconds, Velasquez has spent enough time studying “Cigano” to understand the Brazilian bomber has more to his game than simply one-punch power. In fact, he’s had a hard time figuring out anything Dos Santos doesn’t do well.

“His takedown defense is really good. As soon as he goes down he pops back up or he doesn’t even let you go to the ground,” said velasquez, admitting, “If he does get up, then hey, we’re gonna fight on our feet. He doesn’t really have any weakness.”

Velasquez’s crack at Dos Santos’ championship will serve as the headliner at UFC 156. Each man has picked up a single win since their first scrap with Dos Santos stopping Frank Mir in May and Velasquez doing the same against Antonio Silva at the same event.